TDXA Club Contest FAQs

Club Contesting is a lot of fun, and a cooperative method of contesting from multiple locations. Lots of questions arise, when getting started. These FAQs may help answer them. If I've overlooked something, please let me know so I can get it added in.

Q: What is aggregate scoring?

A: An aggregate club score combines individual log scores from club members operating separately (such as from home or portable stations) into a single cumulative total for the amateur radio club.


Q: Several of our club members are going to operate independently from their home locations and wish to contribute their scores to the aggregate club score. What call sign should they use?

A: Participants should use their own call signs. Except for Class C (mobile) entries, all transmitters, receivers, and antennas must be located within a 1,000-foot-diameter circle to be able to operate using a single call sign IF they're going to use the same call sign. This prohibits the use of a single call sign from more than one location. Those participants operating from home or locations not at the club's main contest site must use their own station call signs.


Q: How does my club submit an aggregate club score? Does the club need to add up each participating member’s scores and submit a club entry with the aggregate score under the club call sign?

A: Each participant will submit their independent entry under their own call sign (NOT the call sign the club is using.) Award HQ will calculate the aggregate score based upon the club name entered on the official log entry form via the web, or on the paper entry form. In order for results to be tabulated correctly, all club participants must enter the club’s official name exactly the same, avoiding abbreviations or acronyms.


Q: (Field Day) Our group is still planning to operate at the usual Field Day site, but some members will be operating from their home stations, or from other locations. Can we still submit an entry using the club call sign, as well as have members operating using their own call signs?

A: Yes. If your club is hosting a group Field Day effort, it will submit an entry as usual, using the club call sign. Club members operating at other locations will submit separate entries with their own call signs and will enter the club name on the entry form for club aggregate scoring.


Q: Can a club member operate from home using the club call sign?

A: Yes, but the call sign may only be used in one location. The member must receive permission from the trustee of the club call sign.


Q: (Field Day) Our club normally enters Field Day in Class A. If we operate from our home stations, in which class should individual members enter in order to be included in the aggregate club score?

A: Each member will operate independently and will submit the entry using whatever class that applies to their operation. Typically, home stations running on commercial AC power are Class D, while home stations running on battery, solar, generator, or the like (i.e., not from AC mains) are Class E. When the results are published, each club member will be listed in the results under the class in which they operated. Aggregate club scores for clubs with 3 or more entries for the same club will be listed by the club name in a separate listing.


Q: (Field Day) Our club will have 10 members operating from home as Class D stations. Should they worry about working the same station on the same band and mode (duplicates)?

A: Because members are operating as separate entries using their own call signs, the contacts are not considered duplicates. (This is cool!!)


Q: Does the club need to be an ARRL-affiliated club to participate in Field Day?

A: No. All clubs and groups are welcome to participate in ARRL Field Day.


Q: Does the TDXA need to be an ARRL-affiliated club to participate in various ARRL contests?

A: Yes. There are lots of contests we can compete in without ARRL affiliation, but we want to be ARRL afffiliated to be able to compete in those contests as well. We have submitted all of the required documents are are anxiously awaiting for ARRL club affiliation. *** UPDATE**** The TEARADX Association was accepted and is now an ARRL Affiliated club!!! YAY!!! This really improves the number of contests we can work as a club!!


Q: How will bonus points be calculated for the aggregate club scores? Can individual club members still earn bonus points?

A: All individual scores, including bonus points, will be added together to determine the aggregate club score. Refer to the complete rules to determine eligibility for bonus points.

***Follow along, if you're interested. Updates will be in the Club Bulletins section. Take a moment to Join TDXA! It's free, and you'll help us with our contest footprint. Who knows, you might want to work a little contest stuff with us and you'll be ready to go!